Korean-Inspired Fried Chicken Bao with Spicy Kimchi Slaw
Introduction
Are you ready to elevate your Halloween feast with a culinary twist? These Korean-inspired fried chicken bao will not only delight your taste buds but also impress your friends and family! Imagine the crispy, golden chicken brought to life by a spicy kimchi slaw, all nestled in a fluffy bao bun. Thank you for stopping by to explore this recipe—be sure to subscribe to receive it straight to your inbox!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a delightful fusion of Korean flavors and bao buns, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. The crunchy fried chicken provides a satisfying texture, while the spicy kimchi slaw adds a zesty punch. What’s more, it’s easy to prepare—allowing you to focus more on enjoying the moment with your loved ones rather than spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a perfect conversation starter at your Halloween parties!
Ingredients
– 12 bao buns
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1/2 cup Korean chili paste (gochujang)
– 1/4 cup honey
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 1 cup kimchi, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 green onions, chopped
– 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Necessary Tools
– Large bowl
– Deep fryer or large pot
– Slotted spoon
– Small saucepan
– Steamer or bamboo steamer
– Mixing bowl for slaw
– Paper towels
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
If you want to customize this recipe, consider swapping the chicken thighs for tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with different types of slaw by adding shredded carrots or cucumber for extra crunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Start by preparing the coating for your chicken. In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. In another bowl, pour buttermilk. Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
3. Heat vegetable oil in your deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the chicken pieces in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes per batch. Remove and let them drain on a paper towel.
4. In a small saucepan, mix Korean chili paste and honey over low heat, stirring until well blended. Toss the crispy chicken in this spicy sauce until evenly coated.
5. For the kimchi slaw, combine sliced kimchi, mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds in a bowl and mix well.
6. Steam your bao buns according to the package instructions until they’re warm and soft.
7. To assemble, inside each bao bun, add a generous helping of kimchi slaw, then top with the spicy fried chicken. Garnish with fresh cilantro and prepare for flavor bliss!
Serving Suggestions
These bao are delicious on their own, but you can serve them alongside some steamed veggies or a light miso soup for a well-rounded meal. Pair them with a refreshing drink, like a cold beer or a fruity mocktail, to complete your spread.
Pro Tips for Success
– Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying to achieve the perfect crispy texture.
– For extra crunch, double-fry the chicken by letting it rest a minute after the first fry, then frying it again for a couple of minutes.
– Allow the bao buns to steam for just enough time—over-steaming can make them too soggy!
Storing and Reheating
To store leftovers, place the bao and chicken in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, steam the bao buns for a few minutes and warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave until heated through for the best experience.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I make the fried chicken in advance?**
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken a day ahead! Just heat it up before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have gochujang?
A: You can substitute with sriracha or a mix of red pepper flakes and sugar for some spiciness!
Conclusion
These Korean-inspired fried chicken bao with spicy kimchi slaw are not just a recipe; they’re an experience filled with flavors that will impress everyone at your table. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delightful process of making these culinary treats! Don’t forget to leave a review, share your photos, or tag your food adventures on Pinterest or Instagram!
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 320 | Protein: 18g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 1g
